Communities laud LDF’s Masaf IV
Some beneficiaries of the ongoing 12-day Productive Public Works Programme (PWP) are all smiles, saying the programme has come at a critical time when the worsening economy and food shortages are hitting hard.
At least 450 000 poor households are benefiting from the K5.4 billion (about $7.4million), which the Local Development Fund (LDF) already released to local councils.
The funds are for the immediate implementation of the first cycle of the 2015/2016 12 days of PWP under the Malawi Social Action Fund (Masaf) IV, which is managed within the context of the LDF mechanism.
During random interviews The Nation conducted in Mulanje, Phalombe and Mwanza districts, most beneficiaries hailed the programme not just because of the immediate food shortage being experienced but also the new transparent system of selecting beneficiaries.
Seventy-seven-year-old Enele Madeya from Lolo Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Nazombe in Phalombe District said the money she will receive after finishing her work [tree planting] will help her buy mgaiwa [maize flour] because she is living on alms.
The wage rate for this cycle has been adjusted upwards to K600 per day from K485. With 12 days of working, it means each household will earn K7 200 at the end of the period.
At least 35 councils received the funding with Lilongwe Rural enjoying the largest share of K299 021 584 (about $410 000) funding and Likoma being the last with K12 438 187 (about $17 000).
The current cycle has taken a catchment approach where village development committees (VDCs) develop plans needing interventions within their vicinity and the funds are directly channelled to such projects.
